Apply for Tax Abatements

On This Page

block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-1,News & Events*block-detroitminew-views-block-related-links-block-1,Related Links*block-detroitminew-views-block-video-playlist-block-1,Videos*documents-block,Documents*block-detroitminew-views-block-forms-block-1,Forms*block-views-block-faq-block-1,FAQs*block-detroitminew-views-block-district-map-block-1,District Map*block-views-block-council-office-directory-block-1,Office Directory*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-block-3,Contacts*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-block-4,Contacts*block-detroitminew-views-block-council-member-bio-block-1,Bio*block-detroitminew-views-block-sub-sections-block-1,Sections*block-detroitminew-views-block-web-apps-block-1,Web Apps*block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-4,News*block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-3-2,Events*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-special-block-1,Staff*block-detroitminew-views-block-statements-block-1,Statements*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-1,Newsletters*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-3,Ordinance*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-2,Resolutions*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-4,Memos

Read This First

As you plan to apply for tax abatements, staff from across city government will work together to make sure your development project meets the necessary requirements. You can expect that you'll:

  • Use the Michigan Department of Treasury website to learn about available tax abatements.
  • Complete underwriting with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). This could take a couple weeks.
  • Use a site called Neighborly to apply to the relevant abatement.
  • Present to City Council and receive local approval.
  • Work with the State Tax Commission (STC) to receive final approval.

What's the process like?

  • Review available tax abatements
  • Complete underwriting
  • Apply for abatements
  • Present to City Council and receive local approval
  • Submit to the State Tax Commission (STC)
  • Receive final approval
  • Compliance Reporting

Step by Step

1. Review available tax abatements

Not all development projects are eligible for tax abatements.

In this step, you'll identify which tax abatements, if any, are applicable to your project.

2. Complete Underwriting

In this step, you'll submit underwriting information directly to the DEGC via their online Project Intake Form. The form includes submission of a proforma, among other things.

Click here to access the DEGC’s Project Intake Form and available application materials/resources.

Upon completion of the form, you will be contacted to discuss next steps.

3. Apply for abatements

You’ll use Neighborly to apply.

See the instructions on how to create a Neighborly account.

4. Present to City Council and receive local approval

Upon submission of your Neighborly application, several City departments will review and prepare your petition. City staff will work with you to schedule a public hearing at a City Council – Planning & Economic Development (PED) Subcommittee meeting, where you will present on your project.

The PED subcommittee will vote on whether to move the petition forward. If moved forward, your petition will then go before City Council of the whole for a vote. If approved, your petition will have received local approval.

5. Submit to State Tax Commission (STC)

6. Receive final approval

7. Compliance reporting